Multi-purpose switching network interface controller

• US 20040172485A1
• Filed: 04/19/2004
• Published: 09/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chelsio Communications Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Chelsio Communications Incorporated
• Inventors: Eiriksson, Asgeir Thor, Stadler, Mark, Naghshineh, Kianoosh
• Granted Patent: US 7,447,795 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/250
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4027 using bus bridges G06F13/4022 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/102 using shared medium, e.g. bus or ring
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/103 using a shared central buffer; using a shared memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/201 Multicast operation; Broadcast operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/30 Peripheral units, e.g. input or output ports
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/351 for local area network [LAN], e.g. Ethernet switches
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/354 for supporting virtual local area networks [VLAN]

Abstract

A network interface controller includes a plurality of scatter gather circuits (104a-104d) connectable to a host via a bus (101). A packet buffer (112) is configured for communication with the scatter gather circuits (104a-104d). A plurality of access circuits (110a-110d) are configured to access external network connections. An optional forwarding engine (108) is selectable to generate routing information corresponding to data received via the access circuits (110a-110d) and to provide the routing information to the packet buffer (112).

Claims

1. A network interface controller, comprising:

a plurality of scatter gather circuits connectable to a host via a bus;

a packet buffer configured for communication with the scatter gather circuits;

a plurality of access circuits configured to access external network connections; and

an optional forwarding engine selectable to generate routing information corresponding to data received via the access circuits and to provide the routing information to the packet buffer.